Digger predicted
June, 19th 2008 06:05 AM

 

As predicted by Digger last week, the whipping boys had a win when Essendon took the points against West Coast.  A 22 point win to the Bombers was the tonic they needed and let's hope they can continue.  David Hille put in a mammoth effort for this team and Matthew Lloyd showed glimpses of his old self.  Big Dean Cox seems to be starting to feel the toll of playing with an injured foot and may soon have a rest. 

The Western Bulldogs put paid to the Brisbane teams recent good form when they had a convincing 63 point victory.  Jason "The Mouth" Akermanis continued his good form.  He then announced later in the week that he had knowledge of teams tanking.  So does my Grandmother. 

Fremantle had a welcome win when the North Melbourne team failed to turn up at Subiaco field.  Matthew Pavlich kicked 8 majors in a best on ground performance.  Only a 6 goal final term gave the ‘Roos scoreboard any semblance of respectability.  Grover, ain't he from Sesame St., was another fine player for Freo. 

Sydney sunk the Saints succinctly, smashingly and solidly in the clash of former coaching buddies.  Ross Lyon, not worth a pinch of shit as a coach. 

Adelaide led by one point at quarter time, 2 points at half time and by 3 points at three quarter time in their match against league leaders Hawthorn.  So, you would expect a 4 point win to the Ravens.  Well a 4 point win it was but it was to Hawthorn again coming from behind and looking like the prick teasers of the competition.  "Stiffy" Johncock is one of the most consistent players going round.  Had another good one.  Johncock gave Roughead a good contest. 

Port Adelaide tried to bash Geelong out of the contest but came off second best.  Aggression at the ball not the player is what is required but Mr. Smug and his team just don't get it.  Young Gazza was again his teams best and was very well supported by Andrew Mackie who Port forgot to put a man on for the first stanza.  A 10 goal win to the Cats. 

Carlton are in the top eight, I repeat, Carlton are in the top eight.  Collingwood let a lead slip and then got beat up as they went to sleep with Carlton, led by Fevola with 8 goals 6 behinds, storming to a 5 goal victory.  There is still a long way to go but the Blues actually look like finals material. 

Richmond, despite a very ordinary third quarter, managed to hang on a defeat Melbourne at the MCG.  The Richo Man is in sublime form but do not worry too much about his Brownlow chances.  Gave the umpires another spray during the game which will not win him any favours.  Although lip readers tell me he could have been talking about his team mate Shane Tuck. 

Been a slow week in footy news it appears as all the major media outlets are spruiking about a twilight or night Grand Final in the future.  Digger says "stuff ‘em" I like it exactly where it is.  Let us remember that Commandant Andrew gets a bonus every year based on attendances and television viewer figures.  The GF is going to be a sell out every year while TV viewing could go up if the game is played later in the day.  Dare I say it but would he be looking at lining his own pockets? 

The axe is about to fall on big names at St. Kilda with gun mid-fielder Nick Dal Santo a likely casualty this week when the Saints take on Fremantle.  With the Saints playing like a deflated bicycle tyre Digger thinks the Mentals can put back to back wins together and tease their supporters for another week.  The gallows trick worked last week and with Pavlich in form I see the boys from the West having a 4 goal win. 

The Hawks are going through a down patch but keep winning.  This is one game where you would expect North Melbourne to get themselves up but I ask where are the goals going to come from.  Hawthorn in a canter. 

Richmond travel West to South Australia and will meet Port Adelaide.  Historically you would say that Port should win but by beating themselves up when trying to beat Geelong up they may be physically tired as much as mentally stuffed.  In an upset, Richmond to put together back to back wins and put a 6 point gap between these two teams on the ladder.  Again, who would of thunk. 

West Coast maybe welcoming back 5 premiership players to their team this week but will that be enough to overcome Geelong?  Me thinks not as the Coasters do not have a player capable of kicking a bag of goals and the Geelong defence, even sans Scarlett are miserly.  We should see an improved effort but not enough to stop the Cats having a routine 6 goal victory. 

The Brisbane team will return to the winners list this week when they trounce the ravens at home.  Yes, trounce.  Adelaide will still have an empty tank after their grand albeit losing effort last week. 

Melbourne will push the Sydney team all the way.  Yes, all the way to quarter time and then Sydney will let loose.  Another 10 goal victory to the Swans and Michael O'Loughlin will kick 5. 

Can Carlton cement their place in the eight with a win over Essendon?  Sure they can.  Chris Judd in top form and Fev in front of the sticks will ensure victory.  By the way, Dustin Fletcher combines with his dad Ken, to be the father/son combination to play the most games overcoming the combination of the Silvagni's ironically a Carlton combo. 

In the final game of the round the Western Bulldogs will be way to speedy and good for Collingwood.  Sorry ‘Pies but the win against Geelong a few weeks ago seems to have taken its toll especially the mental toll on the players who thought they were better than they are. 

Another week of footy and Digger has tipped you 8 more winners. 

Any questions, comments or general footy stuff can be sent to diggerafl@yahoo.com.au 

 

 

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